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The effects of ageing on female genital and sexual health

10 October 2019
Professional
02 October 2019
Volume 28 · Issue 18

Abstract

This article will explore the impact of ageing on sexual function in older women and will reflect on the social influences on women's sexual ageing, identify the effects of ageing on sexual activity, particularly on genital skin, and consider the concerns from the perspective of older women. The article will then focus on vulval skin conditions and the functional aspects of living with these conditions. Finally, the article provides a starting point for nurses to consider their own knowledge, skills and attitudes through a series of reflective questions and recommendations for those working with older women to aid the identification of issues relating to older women's sexual health and vulval skin conditions, leading to further discussions to promote genital health.

Many women over the age of 75 are reported to have received little or no formal health education, particularly sex education (Langer, 2009). They grew up at a time when sexual behaviour was not discussed and sexual feelings and inquiry were suppressed. It was not until the 1960s that formal sex education for young people was widespread as Langer (2009) explained that:

‘Even the most liberated knew little of the facts of life and most held to strong superstitions.’

Women over the age of 75 have experienced huge changes in gendered activities and technological and medical innovations in their lives, including contraception. These developments have resulted in the increasing independence of women and changes in the role of marriage and sexual activity, and have had a particular impact on sexual expression in older age. Divorce in later life, remarriage rates and sexual relationships outside of marriage are also steadily increasing (Brown and Wright, 2017). Previously, older women may have felt compelled to remain in unsatisfactory relationships due to social mores. Gott (2006) explained that later-life divorces and remarriage rates have been steadily increasing.

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Genital health
Vulval health
Older women
Women's health
Sexual health